How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient position within a house. It is crucial that your locks are working properly to keep your home safe. There are easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the door's location could be enough to solve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors use a mortise lock that is secure, but is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC locks have become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's simple to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for colder environments since they can help prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door and look both ways from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll require a replacement. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek help.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe location so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. If sliding patio door repair is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock operating effectively. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.